Question 1

How is moral injury treated?

Brenna Kelly · Accepted Answer

Since moral injury is not a diagnosable disorder, there is no predefined treatment for it. Group therapy with others who have been through similar events has been found to be helpful. Cognitive Processing Therapy is also thought to assist those with moral injury in processing the traumatic events.

Question 2

What's the difference between PTSD and moral injury?

Brenna Kelly · Accepted Answer

While post-traumatic stress disorder and moral injury share many symptoms, there are a few notable differences.

PTSD is a diagnosable mental disorder while moral injury is not yet a clinical diagnosis. In addition, PTSD is primarily fear-based, often as a result of an attack. Moral injury, on the other hand, is a moral dilemma, or confusion between interpreting right from wrong. Hallmark symptoms of moral injury include immense guilt and shame.

Question 3

Is moral injury a clinical diagnosis?

Brenna Kelly · Accepted Answer

No, moral injury is not yet a clinical diagnosis.

Question 4

What does moral injury mean?

Brenna Kelly · Accepted Answer

Moral injury refers to the reaction to a traumatic event that conflicts with a person's code of ethics. This causes mental trauma to the person who witnessed (or was involved in) the unsettling circumstances. Moral injuries are commonly noticed in members of the military due to the nature of combat.

Question 5

Is addiction a mental illness?

Heather Ware · Accepted Answer

While there is some nuance to this issue, the short answer is that yes, addiction is a mental illness. While addiction does start with a choice to drink or use certain drugs, the mechanisms that make someone predisposed to addiction are inherent and not chosen. The official name for addiction is substance use disorder, and this is because it is a mental disorder, not a personal failing or a character flaw. Moreover, the fact that addiction is not a choice makes it even more important that veterans seek professional help.

Question 6

What mental health issues do veterans have?

Heather Ware · Accepted Answer

Like anyone else, veterans can have any type of mental health issue. That said, they are predisposed to issues like PTSD and anxiety due to trauma that can happen during military service. This is especially true for combat exposed veterans. As a result, veterans are also in danger of developing co-occurring addiction issues.

Question 7

What is the Solid Start program?

Heather Ware · Accepted Answer

Solid Start is a VA program that began in December of 2019. This program ensures that VA employees will call a veteran three times within their first year of returning home from service. Once the veteran has been reached, the VA employee will help put them in contact with essential services to ease their transition to civilian life, such as loan providers, health care organization, mental health facilities, and veteran rehab centers.

Signs of Addiction: Spotting Veteran Substance Use Disorders

Does Moral Injury Provoke Addiction Among Veterans?

New Military Mental Health Services May Be Here to Stay

Get Help Now

State Licensed JCAHO Accredited HMOs & PPOs

LegitScript Certification

HELPFUL LINKS